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This study investigated the diversity among five introduced fig (Ficus carica L.) germplasm in Bangladesh, focusing on their morphological and physicochemical characteristics. The primary goal was to assess morphological variations, including their genetic potential for future improvement, and to examine their biochemical properties. The findings demonstrated significant variations in plant growth attributes, leaf characteristics, fruit traits, sensory attributes, and biochemical properties among the genotypes under study. Notably, two genotypes, Khurtamoni (KH) and Brown Turkey (BT), emerged as exceptional performers based on their combined pomological and nutritional characteristics compared to Golden Riverside (GRS), Egyptian‐2 (E‐2), and Saudi Yellow Arabia (SYA). However, KH displayed outstanding growth characteristics, excellent fruit attributes, including a remarkable fruit yield of 65.67 fruits per plant, and exceptional nutriomedicinal properties with a total phenolic content (TPC) of 8.03 mg GAE/100 g FW, a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 31.084 mg QE/100 g FW, and an IC50 value of 85.39 μg/ml. Besides, BT excelled in terms of taste, texture, juiciness, and various nutritional parameters with an ascorbic acid content of 4.4 mg/100 g, a TFC of 28.348 mg QE/100 g FW, and an IC50 value of 83.685 μg/ml. The genotype ranking, taking into account both morphological and biochemical characteristics, reveals the following order: KH > BT > GRS > SYA > E‐2 as per the principle component analysis. Consequently, the study identifies KH and BT as promising candidates for fig cultivation and breeding in Bangladesh due to their exceptional attributes. Furthermore, the genotype ranking offers valuable guidance for selecting germplasm for breeding programs and promoting sustainable fig cultivation in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to determine the genetic variability parameters and character associations in thirty-two chilli genotypes. Based on mean performance, 11 genotypes were observed to be superior for marketable green fruit yield than the standard check varieties 'Him Palam Mirch-2' and DPCH-40-2. High to moderate estimates of PCV and GCV with high heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for marketable green fruits/plant, marketable green fruit yield/plant, total green fruits/plant and average green fruit weight. Marketable green fruit yield/ plant had positive and significant association with average green fruit weight, marketable green fruits/plant, total green fruits/plant, percent marketable green fruits/plant, ascorbic acid and capsaicin content. In view of direct and indirect contribution of component traits, selection on the basis of total fruits/plant and average green fruit weight would be a paying preposition for evolving high yielding genotypes for marketable green fruit yield. The present findings could be useful in selecting superior genotypes to achieve genetic gain and yield advantage in chilli breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the yield and some quality characteristics of 20 beef tomato lines at the F6 stage. As a result, the total yield, average fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit width of the lines varied between 6.60-14.93 t/da, 200.80-384.00 g, 53.68-75.05 mm, and 71.95-98.29 mm respectively. Furthermore, it was found that the fruit flesh firmness values of the tomato lines used in the study varied between 0.41-1.32 kg/cm²; brix values between 6.10-9.60%; vitamin C values between 20.03-25.57 mg/100 g; total phenolic contents between 13.28-30.72 mg/100 g; lycopene contents between 4.69-9.68 mg/100 g and beta-carotene contents between 0.83-2.17 mg/100 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persimmon fruit has a high nutritional value and significantly varies between pollination-constant astringent (PCA) and pollination-constant non-astringent (PCNA) persimmons. The astringency type affects sugar, flavonoids, and tannin accumulation and is well known in persimmon fruit. However, the impact of the fruit astringency type on ascorbic acid (AsA) accumulation is limited. In this study, typical PCA varieties ('Huojing' and 'Zhongshi5') and PCNA varieties ('Yohou' and 'Jiro') of persimmon fruit were sampled at four developing stages (S1–S4) to provide valuable information on AsA content variation in PCA and PCNA persimmon. Persimmon fruit is rich in ascorbic acid; the AsA content of the four varieties 'Zhongshi5', 'Huojing', 'Jiro', and 'Youhou' mature fruit reached 104.49, 48.69, 69.69, and 47.48 mg/100 g. Fruit of the same astringency type persimmon showed a similar AsA accumulation pattern. AsA content was significantly higher in PCA than PCNA fruit at S1–S3. The initial KEGG analysis of metabolites showed that galactose metabolism is the major biosynthetic pathway of AsA in persimmon fruit. There were significant differences in galactose pathway-related metabolite content in developing PCA and PCNA fruit, such as Lactose, D-Tagatose, and D-Sorbitol content in PCA being higher than that of PCNA. Combined gene expression and WGCNA analyses showed that the expression of the GME (evm.TU.contig4144.37) gene was higher in PCA-type than in PCNA-type fruit in S1–S3 and exhibited the highest correlation with AsA content (r = 690 **, p < 0.01). Four hub genes, including the DNA methylation gene, methyltransferase gene, F-box, and Actin-like Protein, were identified as potential regulators of the GME gene. These results provide basic information on how astringency types affect AsA accumulation and will provide valuable information for further investigation on AsA content variation in persimmon fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bitter gourd fruit yields are not at a desirable level due to maleness. Maleness is one of the biggest difficulties with bitter gourd, reducing fruit yields substantially. On the other hand, plant stages are the most important consideration for PGR application because of their sensitive responsiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to determine how bitter gourd plants respond to plant growth regulators, namely PGR0 (control: application of water as control treatment), PGR1 (GA3-Gibberellic acid, 100 mgL−1), PGR2 (NAA-Naphthalene acetic acid, 100 mgL−1), and PGR3 (MH- Maleic hydrazide, 100 mgL−1) at three application phases, S1: soaking of seeds; S2: four-leaf; and S3: flower bud in terms of vegetative development, male–female flower sex alteration, and fruit features including bioactive compounds. Results: Physiological, floral and yield characteristics of bitter gourd exposed significant changes by GA3 and MH at various stages. The number of leaves plant−1, the fresh mass of the plant, and the fresh mass of fruit and fruit dry matter content were enhanced remarkably for MH application at the seed soaking stage except for plant height and the number of branches plant−1. MH increased the number of female flowers plant−1, the number of fruits plant−1 and the yield at the 4-leaf stage of application. PGRs substantially influenced the quantity of sugar, chlorophyll, total carotenoids, protein, and water content at various phases of their application but not on ascorbic acid, TSS, or total phenol concentration. Conclusions: For sex expression and yield attributes, 100 mgL−1 MH at the 4-leaf stage would be effective in bitter gourd. Exogenous NAA showed a considerable dual influence on plant development and antioxidant enzyme activity in bitter gourd fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An imbalanced nutrients status in the nutrient solution, i.e. poor nutrition of the plant, is often responsible for the low quantity and quality of strawberry fruit. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different ratios of potassium to magnesium (K/Mg) (T1, 2:1, T2, 4:1, T3, 6:1 and T4, 8:1) on fruit yield and quality of strawberry cv. Albion under hydroponic conditions. Different K/Mg treatments did not have a significant effect on fruit yield and quality attributes such as ascorbic acid and total soluble solids. The highest fruit yield was obtained when plants were exposed to a 4:1 ratio (i.e. T2). Fruit quality attributes such as total anthocyanin, total antioxidant, total phenolic, total flavonoids, total chlorophyll, calcium, Mg, and K concentrations in the leaves and antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly affected by the K/Mg treatments. The highest total phenolic (925 mg/100g FW) and total flavonoids (163 mg/100g FW) were observed when plants grown in the presence of a 4:1 ratio (i.e. T2). Whereas, the highest antioxidant activity (89.2%) was detected in plants exposed to the 8:1 ratio (T4). The highest activity of guaiacol peroxidase (2.88 and 2.78 unit/g FW), ascorbate peroxidase (2.11 unit/g FW), and catalase (2.23 unit/g FW) were observed in T3 and T4, T4, and T4 treatments, respectively. It can be concluded that among the tested treatments, the 4:1 ratio of potassium:magnesium is optimal for the strawberry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize the nutrient supply of strawberry, fertilization was reduced as much as possible on the premise of satisfying the elements needed for strawberry growth. This study put forward a modified nutrient solution formula (NM) by adjusting the ratios of N/K, K/Ca, NO3--N/NH4+-N in vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting, and fruit expanding stages based on Yamasaki strawberry nutrient solution formula (NY). Taking the NY as the control group, the NM was verified with elevated-grown 'Ssanta' strawberry using three different substrates (Vulcanics-added substrate, Horticultural substrate, Commercial substrate) in greenhouse. The results indicated that under the NM treatment, strawberry plants had better photosynthesis in the vegetative growth stage and flowering and fruiting stage, and the first crop yield and total crops yield per plant also increased by 20%. Although the vegetative growth stage was longer, it entered the full fruiting stage earlier so that the maturity stage was advanced one week. Compared to strawberries grown in horticultural substrate irrigated with NY, the fruit yield per plant of ‘Ssanta’ strawberry grown in horticultural substrate irrigated with NM increased by 26%, and the sugar-acid ratio and vitamin C content of primary fruits reached 10.6 and 74.1 mg/100g, improving by 41% and 34% respectively. Therefore, the NM based on the growth stage can optimize the element needs of strawberry in all growth and development stages and maintain the substrate's pH stability, improving the yield and quality of 'Ssanta' strawberry under substrate cultivation. Therefore, it is recommended to use the horticultural substrate irrigated with the modified nutrient solution for the ‘Ssanta’ strawberries cultivation elevated in greenhouse to improve the economic benefit of strawberry cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroponic-producing selenium (Se)-biofortified vegetables in a greenhouse is a convenient and effective way to provide Se-enriched food and overcome hidden hunger. CO2 fertilization is commonly implemented to increase vegetable yield in greenhouse production. However, this application accompanies decreased mineral concentrations in the edible parts. Here we investigated the effects of [CO2] and Se supply on the growth, gas exchange, and cucumber fruit quality. A hydroponic experiment with two CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) (C1: 410, and C2: 1200 μmol mol−1) and four Se supply levels (Se0: 0, Se1: 0.125, Se2: 0.250, and Se3: 0.500 mg Se L−1) was carried out. A low level of Se supply (Se1: 0.125 mg Se L−1) protected the photosynthetic pigments and stimulated the stomatal opening, especially under [CO2] fertilization. It leads to a higher net photosynthesis rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (Tr) than other Se treatments. The most significant changes in dry weight, fruit yield, and soluble sugar concentration were also obtained in Se1 under CO2 fertilization due to the enhanced CO2 fixation. Meanwhile, the Se concentration in fruit was 0.63 mg kg−1 FW in C2Se1, with the highest Se accumulation and use efficiency. According to the recommended dietary allowance of 55 μg Se day−1 for adults, an intake of 87 g of cucumber grown in C2Se1 is sufficient. Because of the improved Tr and better root structure in Se1, the uptake of mineral nutrients through mass flow and interception was well maintained under CO2 fertilization. So, the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mn in cucumber fruits were not significantly decreased by elevated [CO2] in Se1. However, the concentrations of soluble proteins, S, Mg, Fe, and Zn in cucumber fruits in C2Se1 were lower than those in C1Se1, which was mainly attributed to the dilution effects under CO2 fertilization. Therefore, a selenite supply of 0.125 mg Se L−1 was found to be the optimal dosage for producing Se-enriched cucumber fruits with high yield and better qualities under CO2 fertilization (1200 μmol mol−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic tomato cultivation is growing all over the world due to its healthy functional properties and environmental concerns. Recently, some new varieties with increased functional properties, particularly high lycopene, have been developed. However, few were assessed under organic farming systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate physico-chemical properties and the main bioactive compound contents, as well as lipophilic, hydrophilic and total radical scavenging activities of a recently developed high lycopene tomato variety homozygous for hp-2dg genes (HLT-F71) grown under organic conditions for two non-consecutive years (2019 and 2021) compared to the ordinary control 'Nemador' variety. The lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, radical scavenging activity and tocopherols were analyzed by using spectrophotometric and HPLC methods, respectively. The high lycopene content variety presented suitable marketable yield, average fruit weight, pH, titratable acidity, firmness and higher °Brix, pulp color than the control. Additionally, it has significantly higher lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C and particularly considerable α-tocopherol contents, as well as radical scavenging activity. The high lycopene tomato variety with hp genes proved to be an effective sustainable variety for enhancing tomato fruit yield and functional properties even under organic grown conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The guava fruit plants produce heavy fruit yield during summer season but these plants then produce very little fruit yield during winter season due to low carbohydrates. To increase guava fruit production during winter season, this experiment 'effect of nitrogen doses (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1) and timing (September, October and November) on fruit quality of guava in winter' was conducted at farmer field of village, Gher Khan, District, Haripur during 2017-2018 with the objectives to optimize the appropriate dose of nitrogen and timing of application for growth and fruit quality of guava crop in winter. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with split plot arrangement and three replications. The experimental results revealed that highest ascorbic acid (207.59 mg 100g-1) was recorded in guava fruit tree treated with nitrogen in September. Trees treated with nitrogen in November produced fruits with maximum fruit firmness (1.90 kg cm-2) and titratable acidity (0.35%). Regarding nitrogen doses, maximum TSS-acid ratio (39.72%) and ascorbic acid (212.42 mg 100g-1) were observed in trees treated with 225 kg N ha-1. Maximum ascorbic acid (217.76 mg 100g-1) and reducing sugar (5.85%) were recorded in trees fertilized with 150 kg N ha-1 while maximum non-reducing sugar (4.80%) and TSS (10.55 oBrix) were observed in trees treated with 75 kg N ha-1. Interaction between nitrogen doses and its time of application significantly affected fruit firmness of guava fruit while TSS, ascorbic acid, TSS-acid ratio, reducing and non-reducing sugar was found non-significant. It is therefore concluded from results that optimum dose of urea as a source of nitrogen should be applied during the month of September at the rate of 150 kg ha-1 to guava fruit trees for better quality fruit production of winter season guava under the climatic condition of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunhwa, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinnow is the trademark of citriculture industry of Pakistan and the most important cultivar which is appreciated due to delicious taste and quality. Kinnow is heavy bearer with variable fruit size which fetch low price in market. Fruit thinning is practiced in tree fruits to obtain grade A fruits and overcome alternate bearing. Therefore, this research was planned during 2017-19 to investigate the effect of fruit thinning on quality and profitability of Kinnow mandarin. Fruit thinning was done manually after June drop using the quadratic frame. Four treatments were applied i.e., control (no thinning), retention of 7, 9, and 11 fruits per frame and each treatment had four replications. The results showed that retention of 9 fruit per frame yielded the best fruit size, quality and profitability. The yield and number of fruits per tree decreased due to the fruit thinning but enhanced the fruit quality like juice percentage (68.6%), TSS (10.9 °Brix), TSS:TA ratio (11.3), ascorbic acid (68.8 mg 100 g-1 FW), antioxidant (94.9% inhibition) and phenolic contents (169.8 mg GAE 100 g-1). The yield calculations showed that grade A (38.6%) and B (36.6%) fruits were the highest in treatment having 9 fruit per frame. Benefit cost ratio depicted that 9 fruit per frame although caused 44.56% fruit thinning yet resulted 25% increase in the total income as compared to the other treatments. Hence, fruit thinning practices in citrus have significant effects on fruit physical and biochemical characters and overall orchard profitability based on fruit grading criterion. Kinnow is the trademark of citriculture industry of Pakistan and the most important cultivar which is appreciated due to delicious taste and quality. Kinnow is heavy bearer with variable fruit size which fetch low price in market. Fruit thinning is practiced in tree fruits to obtain grade A fruits and overcome alternate bearing. Therefore, this research was planned during 2017-19 to investigate the effect of fruit thinning on quality and profitability of Kinnow mandarin. Fruit thinning was done manually after June drop using the quadratic frame. Four treatments were applied i.e., control (no thinning), retention of 7, 9, and 11 fruits per frame and each treatment had four replications. The results showed that retention of 9 fruit per frame yielded the best fruit size, quality and profitability. The yield and number of fruits per tree decreased due to the fruit thinning but enhanced the fruit quality like juice percentage (68.6%), TSS (10.9 °Brix), TSS:TA ratio (11.3), ascorbic acid (68.8 mg 100 g-1 FW), antioxidant (94.9% inhibition) and phenolic contents (169.8 mg GAE 100 g-1). The yield calculations showed that grade A (38.6%) and B (36.6%) fruits were the highest in treatment having 9 fruit per frame. Benefit cost ratio depicted that 9 fruit per frame although caused 44.56% fruit thinning yet resulted 25% increase in the total income as compared to the other treatments. Hence, fruit thinning practices in citrus have significant effects on fruit physical and biochemical characters and overall orchard profitability based on fruit grading criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is an annual type having densely foliaged with dark green broad leaves (54.5 cm long and 35.2 cm width), possessing drought tolerance.The plants grows up to 405.6 cm and spreads 330.2 cm (E-W) and 390.4 cm (N-S) (Table 1). • It is a comparatively late flowering and late maturing comes to harvest during March-May. Each plant produces about 314 fruits in a year, and its yield potential of 53–54.7t/ha. It is superior in fruit size and yield (185.6%) over PKM-1 (Table 3). • No fled infestation of leaf eating caterpillars and pods are least affected by fruit fly resulting higher per cent of marketable pods (20 and 30%) as compared to the commercially popular varieties like PKM-1 and PKM-2, respectively (Table 4). • This variety suits for table/export purpose due to uniformly parrot green and very long pod having more flesh content with seeds uniformly spaced. • It has high protein (9.3 g), vitamin A (9783IU) and vitamin C content (246 mg) per 100 g of fresh edible pods. It also have recorded highest antioxidants contents and activity viz. total phenols, total flavonoids, DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC in pods as well as leaves as compared check (Table 7 & 8). • The proposed genotype recorded highest dry matter (85.84%), protein (10.25 mg/100 g), nitrogen, potassium, calcium (438.38), sulphur (4397.18), iron (44.6), zinc (3.79), manganese (20.55) and Cu (1.15) in (mg/100 g dry leaves powder) as compared to check(Fig 1, Table 5 & 6). The drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) variety Thar Harsha is an annual type having densely foliaged with dark green broad leaves (54.5 cm long and 35.2 cm width). The plants grows up to 405.6 cm and spreads 330.2 cm (E-W) and 390.4 cm (N-S). The fruiting in Thar Harsha starts late (March to May) as compared to PKM-1 (February-March). Each plant produces about 314 pods in a year, and its yield potential of 53–54.7t/ha. It is superior in pod size and yield (85.6%) over PKM-1. It has high protein (9.3 g), Vitamin A (9783IU) and Vitamin C content (246 mg) per 100 g of fresh edible pods. It have recorded comparatively higher antioxidants contents and activity viz. total phenols (657.69 and 36.23 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (406.28 and 298.46 CE mg/100 g), DPPH (29.07 and 21.53 µmol TE/g), FRAP (66.37 and 34.41 µmol TE/g)and CUPRAC (99.07 and 44.64 µmol TE/g) in leaves and pods, respectively. The variety Thar Harsha recorded comparatively highest dry matter (25.52 and 20.69%), protein (20.25 and 9.33 mg/100 g), nitrogen (3868.03 and 3653.16), phosphorus (187.91 and 113.60) potassium (1714.12 and 942.33), Calcium (4318.38 and 1983.15), Sulphur (4397.18 and 2038.49), Iron (44.6 and 32.76), Manganese (3.79 and 1.21), zinc (20.55 and 12.14) and Cu (1.15 and 0.83) in (mg/100 g dry powder) leaves and pods, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tomato is commonly treated as "Protective Food" as it contain high amounts of several nutritive compounds especially carotenoids such as lycopene and â carotene (Provitamin A), flavonoids, phenolic acids and ascorbic acid and minerals like calcium, iron and phosphorus. Development of high yielding varieties, genetic improvement and best selection are the basic outcome of a superior breeding programme. Therefore, a study was conducted out to analyze the combining ability for yield and yield contributing traits of tomato genotypes. Methods: This study analyzed the general combing ability (GCA) and specific combing ability (SCA) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum Mill.) including different breeding lines and landraces, which were grown during three seasons (March 2020, September 2020 and March 2021) with row to row and plant to plant spacing of 60 x 45 cm in randomized block designs (RBD) having three replications at the Agriculture research farm of Choudhary Chhotu Ram (PG) College, Muzaffarnagar U.P, India. Morpho-metric data were recorded on five competitive randomly selected plants in each line for sixteen traits. Result: Number of fruit per plant and fruits yield was governed by non-additive gene action suggesting the advancement of the generation for selection to improve these traits. The parents floradade, arka meghali and EC-164563 were estimated to be best combiners for the inclusion in further breeding programs. The cross EC-620406 x EC-528360, a product of good combiners was best performing and can be used to obtain superior recombinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass proliferation and accumulation of the green macroalga Ulva reticulata are problems in coastal areas and affect other ecosystems, such as those involving seagrasses. In the absence of any intervention, the decomposition of these macroalgae over time can disrupt the balance of recipient ecosystems. Attention has been given to the potential use of U. reticulata as a supplier of nutrients for crop species such as tomatoes as a possible solution to the buildup of this unusable seaweed species, which is usually left to decompose in affected seagrass ecosystems; this is the case in the Merambong seagrass meadow in the Sungai Pulai estuary in Gelang Patah, southwestern Johor, Malaysia. We analyzed the macro- and micronutrient contents in U. reticulata to determine nutrient availability. We also performed greenhouse studies to test the effects of crude extracts from dried U. reticulata-Extract "A" and fresh U. reticulata-Extract "B" on plant growth, total yield, and quality vine-ripened fruits. Compared to other seaweed extracts used as plant growth promoters, U. reticulata extracts have higher nitrogen (N), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) contents. The application of 30% Extracts "A" and "B" and 50% Extracts "A" and "B" significantly affected tomato plant height. However, extract concentrations that promoted plant height and hastened flowering and fruiting did not increase total fruit yields. Both treatments that positively affected tomato plant height and hastened flowering and fruiting resulted in increased contents of total soluble solids (TSS), beta-carotene, lycopene, ascorbic acid and total titratable acidity (TTA) in the vine-ripened fruits. Agronomically, the application of 5% Extracts "A" and "B", 10%-20% Extracts "A" and "B", and 50% Extract "A" doubled the total yield compared to those of the control, and 40% Extract "A" resulted in the highest total fruit yield. In general, tomato plants responded well to Extract "A" than Extract "B" and presented good total fruit yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was conducted at PAU, Ludhiana with the objective of developing hybrids possessing combined resistance to late blight and leaf curl virus diseases along with desirable horticultural characteristics. The experimental material which included 32 F1 hybrids (developed by line × tester method), 12 parental lines (8 lines and 4 testers; including susceptible check Punjab Chhuhara) and standard check NS-524 were all planted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The values of s2SCA/s2GCA were more than unity for all the traits except average fruit weight and ascorbic acid content, indicating the predominance of nonadditive gene effects. Cross combinations CLN-154 × LBR-12 and CLN-154 × LBR-21 recorded significant heterosis over better parent and check for fruit yield and other quality characteristics. Artificial and natural screening was performed for all the experimental material against late blight and leaf curl virus diseases respectively. Out of 32 hybrids, crosses namely CLN-154× LBR-12, CLN-154 × LBR-21, PVB-1 × LBR-10, PVB-4 × LBR-12 and CLN-104 × LBR-10 were identified for combined disease resistance against late blight and leaf curl virus, in relation to desirable horticultural characteristics particularly fruit yield, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness, dry matter, titrable acidity and ascorbic acid content with fair amount of heterosis. Hence, the hybrids which displayed good potential in yield with acceptable performance of qualitative traits, along with combined disease resistance could be utilized for commercial exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of soilless substrate-based versus soil cultivation on overall fruit quality and yield in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were studied using the tomato cv. Zhonghua Lvbao. Experiments for tomato soilless cultivation were carried out under greenhouse conditions. Plant growth, fruit quality and yield, and physiologic traits were observed. RNA-seq and RT-PCR, as well as metabolomic analyses were performed to examine the expressed genes and metabolites under soilless substrate cultivation. The results showed that the plant height, stem diameter, and chlorophyll contents of tomato under substrate-based cultivation were increased by 37.3%, 19.8%, and 15.3%, respectively, compared with soil cultivation system. Leaf photosynthetic and transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, and root vitality of tomato, under substrate-based cultivation, increased by 29.0%, 21.2%, 43.9%, and 84.5%, respectively, compared with soil cultivation. The yield reached 7177.5 kg/667 m2, and the relative yield increased by 10.1%, compared with soil cultivation. The contents of total soluble sugar, soluble solids, and vitamin C increased by 35.7%, 19.7%, and 18.2%, respectively, higher than those of soil cultivation in tomato fruits, while nitrate content and titratable acid decreased by 29.4% and 11.8%, respectively. Therefore, substrate-based-cultivation can increase production and improve tomato fruit quality and taste. We examined the expressed genes and metabolites to explore the molecular mechanism of plant growth and overall fruit quality improvement in substrate-based cultivation. A total of 476 differentially expressed genes were identified by transcriptomes profiling, of which 321 and 155 were significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively. The results of metabolomics analysis showed that 441 metabolites were detected, where 24 and 36 metabolites were up- and down-regulated, respectively. By combining analyses of transcriptomic and metabolic groups, genes and metabolites related to the fruit quality were mainly concentrated in the vitamin B6/ascorbic acid/aldonic acidmetabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. Therefore, substrate-based cultivation can elevate vitamin and soluble sugar contents and the expression of fruit flavor related genes, which lays an initial background for exploring the mechanism of substrate-based cultivation, in order to improve the quality of tomato in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present experiment was performed at fruit orchard of Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur during 2016-18 to explore optimum concentration of urea causing deblossoming and defoliation in summer crop, subsequently improving fruit quality and production in winter crop of guava cv. ‘Surahi’. Five treatment combinations containing different concentrations of urea applications viz 0% (T0 =control), 09% (T1 ), 12% (T2 ), 15% (T3 ) and 18% (T4 ) which were applied twice fortnightly when summer crop attained 50% blooming. Percentages of flower drop, fruit drop, fruit set and defoliation as well as fruit weight, fruit length & diameter, total soluble solids, acidity, total sugars, ascorbic acid and yield per plant were recorded. Significant differences among treatment combinations were recorded in effect on each parameter during both years of study. Results from combined analysis of two-years data indicated that 15% urea spray on summer crop produced the highest yield (64.83 kg/plant), heavier fruit (203 g), bigger fruit size (length 9.3 cm & diameter 7.5cm), higher TSS (15o Brix), total sugars (7.1%) with minimum acidity (0.65%) in winter crop because of higher flower (75.5%) and fruit drop (41.5%), defoliation (25.8%) and less fruit set (17.7%) compared to non-target summer crop. High concentration of urea (18%) ranked 2nd with respect to fruit and yield parameters of winter crop but it led in flower dropping (80%), fruit dropping (46.8%), defoliation of summer crop (33%) and ascorbic acid (164.4 mg/100g pulp). Urea spray @ 15% proved the best for deblossomig and defoliation of summer crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current experiment was done during the 2018 and 2019 seasons on 'Ewais' mango trees (Mangifera indica) grown in Research Station, El-Nubaria district, Egypt, to study the impact of spraying ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and irrigation time on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality. All experimental plants have been received the same care, i.e. control of pests & weeds, fertilization, and irrigation until the 1st week of October. The irrigation was adapted to apply 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week to control leaves damage due to low temperature after this period and the treatments included: (T1) Water spraying at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at the same time after four weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week (Control). (T2) Spraying with NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at the same time after four weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan /week. (T3) Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at 1st week of December after eight weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week. (T4) Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at 1st week of January after twelve weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week. All treatments received the same quantity of irrigation water, approximately 4000 m3/feddan/year. Results: All treatments (T2, T3 & T4) had a significant influence on vegetative growth, fruiting behavior (fruit set % & the yield), and the fruit quality compared with the control (T1). The significant was not only the fruit physical characteristics (weight, dimensions, volume, and specific gravity) but also the fruit chemical characteristics (total soluble solids % (T.S.S.), acidity %, T.S.S / acid ratio and vitamin C (L- ascorbic acid)). Conclusion: Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November plus start normal irrigation program at 1st week of November or December or January after 4 or 8 or 12 weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week (T2, T3, and T4) increased the vegetative growth, i.e. length of terminal shoots, No. leaves / terminal shoots & leaf area as well as the fruiting behavior such as fruit set percentage, No. fruits per tree & the tree production (kg/tree) and improved the fruit characteristics not only the fruit physical parameters but also the chemical properties in comparing with the untreated trees. During the two seasons, spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November plus start normal irrigation program at 1st week of January after 12 weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week (T4) is recommended since; it is the only treatment with the superiority effect on studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigates the effects of humic acid concentration, its application methods as well as nitrogen ratios on the morphological, yield and biochemical characteristics of strawberry cv. Paros, during 2014–2015 in Ardabil Province, Iran. The study has been conducted within the framework of a double split plot randomized complete block design with three replications and density of 10 plants per replications. Different nitrogen levels (50, 100 and 150 kg ha−1) were examined in the main plots while application methods of humic acid (foliar and soil) and its different concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 6 kg ha−1) were considered in the subplots and sub-sub plots, respectively. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the interaction effects of different concentrations of nitrogen, humic acid and its application methods are significant on most of the measured variables at 5% probability level. Mean comparisons showed that the highest values for the leaf area, fruit yield, chlorophyll a, carotenoids and titratable acidity are associated with the combined treatments of nitrogen and humic acid with concentrations of 100 kg ha−1 and 4 kg ha−1, respectively. In three-way interactions, the highest shoot and root biomass and total chlorophyll content were obtained from the application of 100 kg ha−1nitrogen and 4 kg ha−1 foliar humic acid, while the highest nitrogen and protein contents of leaf and root were achieved upon applying 2 kg ha−1 foliar humic acid and 150 kg ha−1 nitrogen. Moreover, the highest amounts of ascorbic acid and total soluble solids were found at a concentration level of 100 kg ha−1 nitrogen along with applying 2 and 6 kg ha−1 foliar and soil humic acids, respectively. Finally, the best results of most of the studied traits were observed at 100 kg ha−1 nitrogen and 4 kg ha−1 foliar humic acid application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan to evaluate eight Ber varieties viz Pak-White, Umran, Anokhi, Sufan, Bahawal-Seedless, Yazman, Aakash and Moon under Cholistan climatic conditions during 2017-19. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications (2 plants of each variety planted at plant to plant and row to distance of 25 feet in square system during 2010 and nourished with same cultural practices). Data were recorded on tree height, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, stone weight, pulp ratio, total soluble solids, vitamin-C and yield per plant. From averages of 3 years, maximum tree height (7.8m), stem girth (1.9m), stone weight (2.3g), Vitamin-C (121mg/100g pulp) and yield were obtained by Pak White variety. Maximum leaf length (9 cm) and fruit diameter (3.7cm) was attained by Yazman variety. Maximum leaf width (6.1cm), pulp ratio (99%) alongwith minimum stone weight (0.1g), total soluble solids (12oBrix), Vitamin-C (98mg/100g pulp) and maximum yield (108kg/plant) were recorded by Bahawal Seedless. Umran had maximum fruit length (5.2cm) and Anokhi led in TSS (19oBrix). All varieties performed well under Cholistan condition and showed potential to be grown on marginal land for better economic return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bananas are one of the most common energy yielding fruits, and also a nutritional source for human health. In this study, low-temperature vacuum drying was applied to preserve banana because this method offers a low nutrient loss, a decrease in drying time leading to low energy cost, and the low moisture content preventing products from microbial spoilage. Four mathematical models were built, and a multi-objective optimization problem was established for the drying process. The restricted area method with R*(Z) optimal combination criterion was used to optimize for the drying mode of banana including temperature of 52.76 oC, pressure of 0.006 mmHg and drying time of 13.94 hours. Experimental results showed that the energy consumption was 3.96 kWh/kg, the residual water content was 3.64 %, the vitamin C loss was 3.27 % and the maximum rehydration capacity was 95.17 %, which convinced that dried bananas had achieved a minimum cost, the best quality, and a long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity among forty-seven genotypes of Mundu chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) was assessed for fifteen yield and quality characters during kharif 2018. The analysis of variance disclosed that significant difference present for most of the parameters studied, which indicated the existence of wide diversity among all Mundu chilli genotypes. Mahalanobis D2 statistic stated that the forty-seven genotypes were grouped into six clusters. The highest contribution for genetic divergence was dry fruit yield per plant (25.7%), Ascorbic acid (11.56%), 1000 seed weight (10.85%) and the number of seeds per fruit (10.5%). Among the clusters, the largest was cluster II containing 21 genotypes followed by cluster III (13 genotypes) and cluster I (10 genotypes) whereas, clusters IV, V and VI were grouped as solitary clusters (one genotype in each cluster). The highest inter-cluster distance was noted between clusters IV and VI (1588.27) whereas, the lowest was recorded between clusters II and V (192.44). Cluster III (144.94) has recorded the highest intra-cluster distance and the lowest was observed in clusters IV, V and VI (0.00). D2 cluster analysis revealed wide genetic distance (inter-cluster) between the genotypes of cluster I (PKMCA-38), II (PKMCA-20, PKMCA-32, PKMCA-33) and V (PKMCA-08). Hence, genetic improvement by crossing among these groups can exploit heterotic hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of promising hybrids of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) was carried out in 2016--2018 in South- Estonia at Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The objective of the Estonian blackcurrant breeding programme is to produce cultivars that are winter hardy, resistant to gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis Westw.) and gooseberry mildew (Sphaerotheca mors-uvae (Schw.) Berk.), well suited to machine harvesting, with good yield and quality of fruits. The evaluation plot was established in the autumn of 2014. Twenty-four blackcurrant promising hybrids from the Estonian blackcurrant breeding programme and a new Estonian cultivar 'Mairi' as the standard were evaluated for beginning of flowering and fruit ripening (expressed in growing degree-days, GDD), winter hardiness, resistance to diseases and pests (expressed in scores 1--9), number of fruits per cluster, yield (kg per bush), weight of fruit and content of the soluble solids (°Brix). Fruits were analysed for titratable acids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and polyphenols. The evaluation revealed the best black-fruited genotypes to be Nos 3-08-1 ('Ben Alder' x 'Titania'), 7-08-1, 7-08-2 ('Intercontinental' x 'Pamyat Vavilova') and 15-09-1 ('Asker' free pollination), and the green-fruited genotype No. 8-09-3 ('Öjebyn' x 'Mairi'). All these genotypes are winter hardy and visually resistant to gall mite and gooseberry mildew. The first four produced good yields and large fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits of Capsicum chinense, a native species of Amazon Basin, express high levels of bioactive components such as vitamin C and carotenoids; some of them with pronounced pro-vitamin A activity such as β-carotene, which confers high economic potential to this species. The characterization of C. chinense germplasm helps in its management and conservation. Therefore, this practice is considered crucial for the identification of genotypes with superior characteristics, especially in relation to agronomic aspects and chemical-nutritional characteristics of fruits. This study aimed to characterize 55 C. chinense accessions collected from the Brazilian Amazon in terms of their agronomic and chemical-nutritional descriptors aiming to identify superior genotypes for these traits. The characterization was performed in a completely randomized design with 5 replications in non-heated environment. There was significant difference for all descriptors, confirming the variability among accessions. High heritability estimates for descriptors, such as fruit yield (95.1%) and vitamin C content of fruit (92.4%), was found to be associated with high CVg/CVe ratios of these traits, indicating a favorable condition for the selection of superior genotypes for these characteristics. A considerable part of the accessions expressed averages higher than the checks, notably for the fruit yield and the content of vitamin C. The cluster analysis resulted in the formation of 11 groups, corroborating the high variability of accessions for the agronomic and chemical-nutritional aspects of fruits. The evaluated C. chinense germplasm thus expressed high fruit yield and vitamin C content in the fruits, which makes it a promising source for the selection of superior genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research summarized and validated the individual selection of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh) plants. 43 progenies, previously selected in genetic tests and fields of producers of flood areas, were evaluated. Each progeny was installed in a row of 10 half-sister plants, with a space of 3x2 m. Using the SELEGEN (Reml / Blup) Model 63 program, four crops were analyzed, and individuals were selected for each of the 16 descriptors evaluated. For fruit yield, the Tipishca-Río Tigre population stood out, occupying 5 of the first 10 places. The individuals TT0725-4 (Tigre-Tipishca) turned out to be a natural recombinant for fruit yield / weight. And individual 64-8 turned out to be triple recombinant (yield / fruit weight / ascorbic acid). The descriptors with the highest genetic control with r ≥ 0.30 were: average fruit weight, brix degrees, plant height, number of basal branches and petiole length. The criteria of similarity of the morphological markers with the fruit yield are proposed as predictive indexes of productivity. The plant height at two years of age was the most important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two genotypes of sweet pepper were studied regarding their profile of quality indexes related to yield, taste and healthy components. The peppers were grown with three different types of cultivation, one conventional (CONV) and two organic (ORG), in three harvest years, 2015, 2016, and 2017. The two genotypes belong to the typology "red long horn", comparing a local cultivar selected for organic production (RTV), against a commercial F1 hybrid (Alceste F1). The main quality indexes of sweet pepper were measured, considering yield, tastants such as sugars, organic acids, volatiles and phytochemicals such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherols. Moreover, the Folin–Ciocalteu and DPPH assays were performed to assess the total polyphenols content and the antioxidant capacity. The results indicated that the 3 years of harvest were different, with the summer of 2016 more rainy and less warm than others, and most significant differences among the samples were due to this factor. The data collection indicates that ORG fruits had significant higher agronomic yield and sugar content, while higher content of ascorbic acid, yellow carotenoids, and Folin–Ciocalteu index was found in 2016 with respect to 2015 and 2017, in accordance with the meteorological variations. Moreover, in 2016, some volatiles showed strong depletions in ORG vs CONV samples. In some cases, considerable differences between the genotypes were observed, due to the different adaptability to ORG conditions for RTV and to CONV conditions for Alceste F1. A high content of free sugars and ascorbic acid was found in RTV ORG, while high content of organic acids, carotenoids, and 2-methoxy-3-isobutyl pirazine was observed in Alceste F1 ORG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits of guava (Psidium guajava L.) are highly appreciated not only for aroma and flavor, but also for nutritional value, being a rich source of vitamin C and can be consumed in natura or in their industrial forms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of guava cultivars, its initial production and its fruit quality in irrigated and non-irrigated environments. Planting was carried out in February 2016, at 2.0 x 4.5 m spacing, with seedlings formed by cuttings from a commercial nursery. The plants were conducted in the espalier system, with regular prunings for fruiting. It was used a complete randomized block design in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, with three cultivars (Tailandesa, Século XXI and Pedro Sato) and two production environments (irrigated and non-irrigated). Productive variables (yield per plant and fruit mass) and qualitative variables (pH and total soluble solids content) were analyzed in the first two crop cycles. The yield and mass of fruits of evaluated cultivars were not affected by the additional irrigation of the plants. The irrigation has decreased the pH and the level of soluble solids content of the fruits. The 'Tailandesa' guava cultivar was the one that presented the best productive performance for cultivation in the region of Vera Cruz, SP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, salt-tolerant (Tom 174) and sensitive (Tom 121) tomato genotypes were grafted onto their own roots (174/174 and 121/121), and a susceptible genotype was also grafted onto tolerant genotype 121/174. The grafted plants were grown under 50 mM NaCl and control conditions in a greenhouse. Plant physiological parameters, fruit yield, and physical measurements of fruit (e.g., weight, height, diameter, volume), and chemical analysis of fruit (e.g., vitamin C, pH, and total dry matter content) were investigated. When the sensitive genotype was grafted onto tolerant genotype 121/174, the tolerant genotype Tom 174 reduced the yield loss of susceptible genotype from 44% to 3%. Also, fruit size, total dry matter content, and vitamin C increased, while pH decreased under saline conditions. The rootstock Tom 174 seemed to be able to control sensitive scions' stomatal openness and closure for transpiration and CO2transition on photosynthesis because dry matter content was increased. It was found that the tolerant genotype played a role in ameliorating leaf osmotic adjustment of the sensitive genotype in grafting under salt stress. The combination 121/174 had the lowest Na+concentration in young leaves. Thus, the tolerant rootstock Tom 174 decreased the transport of accumulation of Na+ions to young leaves in this grafting combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity as a global challenge is a very complex issue in agricultural food production. In this study, the growth characteristics of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum var. crusader) were evaluated under higher Electrical Conductivity (EC) (5 dS/m) induced by NaCl, KCl, K2SO4 or "All Nutrients" of Hoagland nutrient solution. The standard Hoagland solution (with EC 1.8 dS/m) was used as the control. The results showed that EC5 induced by NaCl resulted in the most negative effects on growth, yield and fruit quality parameters. Application of KCl (to induce EC5) also resulted in some reduction in growth parameters. However, application of K2SO4 and particularly "All Nutrients" (to induce EC5) resulted in better growth characteristics compared to plants treated with NaCl or KCl salts. There was a significant reduction in growth and fruit quality traits including plant height, leaf SPAD value, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, fruit fresh yield, fruit total soluble solids (TSS) and vitamin C content by NaCl and to lesser extent by KCl. However, there was no significant reduction in these traits by "All Nutrients" and for some traits by K2SO4 application compared to control plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the hedgerow system is the main raspberry growing system, which has no clearly-defined standards regarding plant density and fruit-bearing potential per meter of hedgerow. This study evaluates the effect of precision cane meristem management in growing major floricane red raspberry cultivars in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During 2015 and 2016, in Willamette, Meeker, and Tulameen, grown under the hedgerow system, mixed buds were selected on fruiting laterals with the fruitbearing potential of 80, 100, and 120 well-developed and well-positioned mixed buds per meter of hedgerow. High stable yields were recorded under the medium load of 100 buds per meter of hedgerow. Yield ranged from 22.6 t/ha to 24.9 t/ha in Meeker and from 17.7 t/ha to 24.5 t/ha in Tulameen. The yield variation over the experimental years was somewhat higher in Willamette (10.4-21.8 t/ha). Fruit size was largest under the 100-bud load per meter of hedgerow. The biochemical characteristics of the fruit, expressed through vitamin C, phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents, and the antioxidant capacity, indicated differences among cultivars and the effect of the experimental year. The load of 100 mixed buds well-positioned on canes per meter of hedgerow was the optimum load of fruit-bearing potential. The reduction in bud numbers per meter of hedgerow led to a significant decrease in fruit yield, with no changes in fruit quality. Conversely, the increase in the number of buds per meter of hedgerow resulted in a decline in fruit quality, while not adversely affecting fruit yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to assess the effect of organic phosphorus on the growth, yield and post-harvest fruit traits of tomato. Plants were fertilized with five levels of fertilizers (containing 20% organic mineralized P2O5, 30% decomposed organic matter and 2% organic nitrogen) with the rate of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kg ha-1 accompanied with a control. Results showed that Maximum survival percentage, No. of picking/plot, fruit weight, plant height, number of branches, maximum yield was also obtained from the plots treated with 60 kg ha-1 fertilizer. Plots with 60kg ha-1 of organic phosphorus required less days to produce 50% flowering and 50% fruit setting. Fruit maturity duration and No. of defective fruits were also minimum in the plots where fertilizer were applied with the rate of 60 kg ha-1. Results of post-harvest analysis of fruits also revealed that different levels of organic phosphorus (organic phosphorus as a source) have no significant effect on fruit firmness but with the increase in storage time firmness decreases significantly. Total soluble solids were also reduced with the increased level of fertilizer, with the increase in storage time increased the total soluble solids in fruit. Ascorbic acid was found with higher concentrations in high levels of fertilizer which was reduced significantly with the passage of storage time. Fruit juice had maximum pH value in the control treatment which was significantly reduced with the increase of fertilizer level. However, pH started to increase when fruit was stored for more than 12 days. From the results it can be concluded that fertilization with 60 kg ha- 1, tomato plant can response better during pre-harvest and post-harvest period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as greening, is a destructive disease caused by the fastidious, phloem-colonizing bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp.; 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las) is the most prevalent of the species causing HLB. The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP, Diaphorina citri) transmits l^as. HLB is threatening citrus production worldwide, and there is no cure for infected trees. Management strategies targeting diseased trees at different stages of colonization by Las are needed for sustainable ciu-us production in HLB-endemic regions. We evaluated the effect of the combinations of plant defense elicitors, nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and compost on mildly diseased trees. We tested thermotherapy on severely diseased trees and assessed tree protectors to prevent feeding by ACP, thus preventing Las from being transmitted to new plantings that replaced HLB-moribund trees. After four applications over two consecutive growing seasons we found that the combination of compost, urea, and plant defense elicitors (3-aminobutyric acid, plus ascorbic acid and potassium phosphite with or without salicylic acid, slowed down the progression of HLB and reduced disease severity by approximately 18%, compared with the unseated conU'ol. Our data showed no decline in fruit yield, indeed treatment resulted in a higher yield compared with the untreated control. Thermotherapy treatment (55°C for 2 min) exhibited a suppressive effect on growth of Las and progress of HLB in severely diseased trees for 2 to 3 months after treatment. The tree protectors prevented feeding by ACP, and therefore young replant trees remained healthy and free from infection by Las over the 2-year duration of the experiment. Taken together, these results may contribute to a basis for developing a targeted approach to control HLB based on stage of host colonization, application of plant defense elicitors, N fertilizer, compost, thermotherapy, and tree protectors. There is potential to implement these strategies in conjunction with other disease control measures to contribute to sustainable citrus production in HLB-endemic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composition and bioactive properties of x'kijit fruit [Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) Maas] pulp and peel is unknown so far. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of peel, pulp of the fruit (x'kijit fruit). The fruit pulp was higher in soluble solids (10.53°Brix) and pH (6.2), while the peel had lower pH (3.9) and soluble solids (2.3°Brix). The protein and fat contents were higher in pulp with values 4.2 and 8.6%, respectively. Vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids were higher in pulp (28.3 mg ascorbic acid.100 g-1 FW, 567.8 mg catechin.100 g-1 FW, 102.4 mg GAE.100 g-1 FW, and 332 µg of carotenoid.100 g-1 FW, respectively) than peel. However, the peel was higher in anthocyanins (181.4 mg of cyanidin.100 g-1 FW), yielding an antioxidant activity of 23.3mMFe2+.100 g-1. The x'kijit fruit demonstrated to have an important nutritional composition and a high antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information "Ruiyang," late-ripening apple cultivar. Topics mentioned include the fruit quality of Ruiyang, the fruit productivity, and the shelf life and storage capacity of the fruit. Also mentioned are the physical appearance of the fruit, the vitamin C concentration of the fruit, and its resistance to Marssonina leaf blotch, a disease of apple leaves and fruit.

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied for green fruit yield and its components in 40 diverse genotypes of chilli. The analysis of variance revealed the significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied which indicating that presence of great deal of genetic variability for different traits. The high estimates of GCV and PCV were obtained for number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit length (cm), average fruit girth (cm), fruit shape index, average fruit weight (g), green fruit yield per plant (g), chlorophyll content (mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (mg/100g) and capsaicin content (mg/g), while it was low for moisture content (%). The characters like days to flowering (days), plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit length (cm), average fruit girth (cm), fruit-shape index, average fruit weight (g), green fruit yield per plant (g), chlorophyll content (mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (mg/100g) and capsaicin content (mg/g) exhibited high genetic advance coupled with high heritability, indicating better scope for improvement of these traits by an effective selection programme. The results of correlation studies indicated that genotypic correlation coefficients were higher in magnitude than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients for all the traits. Green fruit yield per plant had high, significant and positive association with number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, moisture content and chlorophyll content at both genotypic and phenotypic levels which indicating that these traits were main yield attributing traits. Path analysis revealed that characters like number of secondary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight had high and positive direct effects on green fruit yield. For maximizing the green fruit yield per plant weightage should be given to early flowering, more number of fruits per plant, high average fruit weight, more number of secondary branches per plant and high moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine is a non-essential element for land plants, but is considered as a beneficial element, related to antioxidant capacity, environmental adaptations and improvement of plant growth. Salinity is one of the more recurrent abiotic stresses worldwide, seriously affecting vegetal production. The aim of this work was to evaluate iodine application (Q products® and KIO3, Quimcasa de México, Naucalpan, Mexico) in strawberry plants under normal and salt stress conditions. Growth, antioxidant content, essential minerals, iodine accumulation and fruit quality were evaluated. The results showed that, under stress conditions, the application of Q products increased ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activity as well as glutathione (GSH) content and yield in fruit, without avoiding biomass loss; with the application of KIO3 an increase in GSH and APX activity as well as P and K concentrations were obtained. In leaves an increase in P, Ca, Mn and iodine accumulation was evidenced with the application of Q products, and an increased concentration of ascorbic acid and iodine with KIO3 treatments. Under normal conditions in fruits, the application of Q products increased phenolic compounds synthesis; additionally, an increase in Ca and Mn concentrations was shown. KIO3 application increased the firmness and Mn. In leaves, the application of Q products increased chlorophyll a, b and calcium. In conclusion, the application of iodine improves the quality value of strawberries under normal conditions and provides an enhancement of salt stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate, soil and tree water status, fruit yields and quality of 'Valencia' orange trees were monitored over five consecutive seasons (2007–2012) to study the effects of irrigation placement or volume. Three irrigation treatments were imposed: conventional irrigation (CI, 100% of crop evapotranspiration on both sides of the rootzone), partial rootzone drying (PRD, 50% of CI water only on one alternated side of the rootzone) and continuous deficit irrigation (DI, 50% of CI water on both sides of the rootzone). Yield parameters were generally not affected by PRD, and only yield per tree was lower in DI than CI trees. Fruit size and juice content were also reduced by DI, and not by PRD. Both PRD and DI increased juice soluble solids and acidity, vitamin C and carotenoid concentrations, as well as fruit, juice and sugar productivity per unit of irrigation water. Overall, the straight reduction of irrigation volumes by ~55% (DI) induced an average of 4.4% leaf dehydration, which caused significant fruit size reductions and a 3.4% reduction in juice yield, corresponding to a loss of about 2.6 tons of juice and 261 kg of sugars per hectare and year. On the other hand, water savings of about 2 mega liters per hectare and year with PRD caused a mild 2.3% leaf dehydration and mainly fruit quality improvements, indicating that PRD is a sustainable irrigation strategy for 'Valencia' orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is the most devastating disease of citrus across the world, caused by the phloem limited fastidious bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter spp.'. This research was conducted on HLB infected 10-year-old Kinnow orchard located at Multan, Pakistan. Different classes of antibiotics in various combinations were applied on HLB-infected trees. The antibiotic treatments were applied before flowering in February, during fruit setting in April and at fruit growth stage in June. The different antibiotics combinations used were Ampicillin sodium + Rifampicin, Cefalexin + Rifampicin, Ampicillin sodium + Cefalexin, Ampicillin sodium + Cefalexin + Rifampicin and Control (distilled water). Different fruit qualitative and quantitative attributes were examined. The application of antibiotics significantly decreased 2–11% in flower, June and pre-harvest drops as compared to control. Further, antibiotics increased fruit weight and yield by five times while the juice content, total soluble solids, ripening index, total sugars, phenolic and vitamin C content were also increased in fruits. In addition, total soluble proteins, peroxidase and catalase activities were increased in fruits harvested from antibiotic treated plants compared to control, however the superoxidase dismutase activity was decreased in fruits of antibiotic treated plants. Finally, it is concluded that application of different antibiotics combinations helps in improving the fruit yield and different quality attributes of HLB infected Kinnow trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appropriate brassinosteroid (BR) signal strength caused by exogenous application or endogenous regulation of BR-related genes can increase crop yield. However, precise control of BR signals is difficult and can cause unstable effects and failure to reach full potential. Phosphorylated BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1), the rate-limiting receptor in BR signalling, transduces BR signals, and we recently demonstrated that modifying BRI1 phosphorylation sites alters BR signal strength and botanical characteristics in Arabidopsis. However, the functions of such phosphorylation sites in agronomic characteristics of crops remain unclear. Results: In this work, we investigated the roles of tomato SlBRI1 threonine-1050 (Thr-1050). SlBRI1 mutant cu3-abs1 plants expressing SlBRI1 with a non-phosphorylatable Thr-1050 (T1050A), with a wild-type SlBRI1 transformant used as a control, were examined. The results showed enhanced autophosphorylation of SlBRI1 and BR signal strength for cu3-abs1 harbouring T1050A, which promoted yield through increased plant expansion, leaf area, fruit weight and fruit number per cluster but reduced nutrient contents, including ascorbic acid and soluble sugar levels. Moreover, plant height, stem diameter, and internodal distance were similar between the transgenic plants. Conclusion: Our results reveal the biological role of Thr-1050 in tomato and provide a molecular basis for establishing high-yield crops by precisely controlling BR signal strength via phosphorylation site modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]